How to ace moving abroad: your checklist for moving
Contributed by Sirelo, 30 May, 2017
Moving abroad is a busy and stressful process even at the best of times. Moving to another country adds another level of pressure. If you don't know which way to turn then look no further! Sirelo has compiled a handy guide of how to move abroad and when to have everything done by.
2 months to go
At around 2 months to go you should have found a place to live, or at the very least plan to meet with an estate agent in your new country of residence. Once this is arranged then its time to get down to the nitty gritty of your international move.
- The sooner you start the better, organization is the key when it comes to moving abroad. The first thing to do is to get a file (physical and/or electronic) where you can put all of your important documents. The next step is to work out the following:
- What will you do with your current house? Will you sell it or rent it? If you're renting what will you include in the lease agreement. Do you need to get lawyers involved?
- Alternatively if you live in a rented property now you need to confirm your moving date with your landlord.
- Work out the measurements of your new home so you can know whether your furniture fits, what size curtains to buy etc.
- Research your new area to find out about facilities, amenities, local supermarkets, schools, local news etc
6 weeks to go
Time flies so make sure that you're ready to get to the next step. Now its time to start preparing your home and family for the move.
- Request your free removals quotes. You can do this through a platform such as Sirelo where you can get up to 5 free quotes for your move abroad.
- Make a list of your possessions – work out what to take with you and what to leave behind or sell on.
- Start to clean out lesser used spaces such as the loft and cupboards if you need to take things with you then leave them in manageable piles in strategic spots around the house.
- Get materials for packing e.g. boxes, bubble wrap etc.
1 month before your move
Time to find an extra gear and get a bit more serious. The move is just around the corner now.
- Confirm a removals company to confirm that you'll be moving with them. Make sure you check that they are reliable on a platform such as Sirelo.
- Cancel any ongoing subscriptions that need 1 months notice e.g. gym memberships, utilities bills, WiFi etc.
- Arrange a cleaning service for the time between you moving out and the next residents moving in.
- Start packing any items that you can do without for the month. Seasonal clothes etc, maybe even furniture in rooms that you use less often.
2 weeks to the big move
Time to start planning the finer details. Clarify with the removals service what they will and won't do. Are they door to door? Will they help you packing? What about assembly and disassembly of furniture? Plan what your family and or pets will need for the move and the actual journey of going to a new country.
- Start to pack the suitcases you will take with you – make sure you can live out of for them for the first week or two.
- Book any services that your removals company won't provide for you – plumbers, dismantling of furniture etc
- Make sure you have enough medication for a few weeks – at least until you are able to arrange healthcare in a new country with a bit of contingency.
- Consume or throw out any perishable food or whatever is in the freezer.
- Safely dispose of any flammable materials that you will not be permitted to take by your moving company.
1 week before your move
This is where you make the final arrangements for your move to get off to a positive start. Keep that folder in a handy but safe place – don't lose it in the chaos. This is the time where almost everything should be packed and you should start to prepare your moving day survival kit.
- Put together a box of valuables that you won't need for the move: jewellery, house deeds, wills, insurance documents etc.
- Create a handy survival kit for moving day – think about what you will need in your first couple of days in your new house. Whether it's your favourite mug, cutlery or bedding make sure that you have a comfortable start to your new life abroad.
- Finish as much packing as possible. Make sure you don't forget the outside furniture!
- Mark your boxes to each room it will go to in the new house – writing or colour-coding on boxes works great!
- Defrost the fridge and freezer.
- Wash and dry bed sheets. This means they are ready to go be up and running as soon as you arrive.
- Confirm the time of arrival in your new home so you can collect your keys.
On the day you move
This is the day when all of your months of planning and preparation come together. Moving abroad is a big day and can be full of emotions, thats why its important to do be organized beforehand.
- Record all of the utility meter readings. The simplest way of doing this is by taking a picture on your mobile phone. Don't forget to switch them off!
- Check the packing inventory list that you made. You need to sign that everything is okay so make sure that it is!
- Strip your bed and pack your bedding.
- Give copies of your contact details to the movers and take down their details.
Upon arrival at your new home
You've finally made it. You're there but your stuff isn't so be prepared to live without your things for a while. After your belongings arrive the house will start to feel like home. Make sure that everything that you have sent has arrived there, use your inventory list again.
- Read the utility meters in your new home – take a photo on your mobile phone.
- Unpack all of the boxes. Give clear direction to the removals company about what goes where – this is why marking the boxes is important.
- Make sure you place your important documents somewhere that they won't be disturbed.
- Check all the keys for the property.
- Double check that the previous owners haven't left anything behind.
Settle in to your new life
Give yourself a pat on the back, you've done it. Its been a busy few months but all of this hard work has paid off. Although the move is done, now its time to make sure that you settle in to your new environment well.
- Meet the neighbours – the sooner the better. Don't feel like a stranger in your new environment.
- Settle your family into the house and the area.
- Talk to the previous tenants about any damage.
- Leave a review of your removals company on Sirelo, let other people know about your experience.
